Atletico boss Simeone wary of ‘very dangerous’ Jamie Vardy

The LaLiga side host Leicester in Wednesday’s Champions League quarter-final first leg at the Vicente Calderon.

Vardy has scored seven goals in his last 10 games after previously struggling to net this season.

But Simeone praised the England striker and believes the hosts must keep it tight to avoid Vardy scoring an important away goal.

He said: “I like him, I really rate him as a striker. He is the kind of powerful striker Atletico have had. He also gives the team a lot of depth, and makes life really difficult for defenders to get the ball out.

“He is very dangerous and if we make any mistakes, he will penalise that. Last season he was very consistent, very good.

“This season as we all know he was struggling a little bit at the start but now he seems to be back on form.”

Vardy scored a crucial away goal in Leicester’s 2-1 defeat in Sevilla before the Foxes won the second leg 2-0 to progress in their last-16 tie 3-2 on aggregate.

“Both teams rely on hard work and intensity, consistency and concern. We know they will be two challenging games,” Simeone added.

“We’re probably in our best moment of the season. After the group stage of the Champions League we have always found our best football. Every game is decisive and we are in very good spirits.”

Leicester boss Craig Shakespeare compared the teams’ work ethic and Simeone accepted Atletico’s style could be a role model for clubs.

Simeone said: “Nobody has proof in terms of how to play and win. There are different styles. Our style has been based on humility, hard work and being competitive in every competition.

“There are many different ways of playing – maybe some teams have looked at the way we do things – but what we have done is adapt our style to the characteristics of our players.”